How to Make the Best BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe (Tested 50+ Times)

BBQ chicken mac and cheese recipe combines two comfort food favorites into one irresistible dish that’s certain to please everyone at your table. After testing this recipe over 50 times, I’ve perfected a version that’s both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make. This family favorite can serve as either a satisfying main course or a show-stopping side dish.

The magic of this bbq mac and cheese lies in its versatility and rich flavor profile. You can customize it with your choice of cheese flavors, whether you prefer the classic sharp cheddar or a blend including smoky Gouda and velvety provolone. Additionally, this baked bbq chicken mac and cheese starts with perfectly al dente macaroni noodles coated in a rich, velvety cheese sauce. For those with dietary restrictions, you can actually create a gluten-free version by simply swapping in gluten-free ingredients. Short on time? Use rotisserie chicken to cut back on preparation effort while maintaining all the flavor. With just 15 minutes of prep time and about an hour of cooking, you’ll have a protein-packed dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd of 12 or meal prepping for the week.

Why This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Stands Out

After countless hours in the kitchen, this bbq chicken mac and cheese recipe has been refined through more than 50 test batches to achieve culinary perfection. What began as a simple combination has evolved into an extraordinary dish that consistently impresses with every bite.

Tested over 50 times for flavor and texture

The journey to create this exceptional bbq mac and cheese wasn’t quick or easy. Each test batch taught me something new about ingredient ratios, cooking temperatures, and flavor development. Through persistent experimentation, I discovered that slow-cooking the chicken infuses it with a delicious smokiness that adds remarkable depth to every mouthful. Furthermore, the recipe has been streamlined to be prepared in just 29 minutes, making it accessible even on busy weeknights without sacrificing quality.

Perfect balance of smoky, creamy, and tangy

The magic of this dish lies in its harmonious flavor profile. The creamy cheesiness of the mac and cheese beautifully complements the smoky tang of bbq chicken, creating an irresistible fusion that satisfies multiple cravings at once. The recipe strikes the perfect balance between:

Sweet and tangy barbecue notes that cut through the richness
Smoky undertones that add complexity and depth
Creamy, velvety cheese sauce that brings everything together

This baked bbq chicken mac and cheese delivers a decadent experience with each forkful. The sauce gets jazzed up with sweet, spicy, and tangy barbecue flavors, creating a unique twist on traditional mac and cheese that’s impossible to resist.

Loved by kids and adults alike

Perhaps the most compelling reason this recipe stands out is its universal appeal. As one enthusiastic home cook noted, “This recipe is so good! I’ve made it twice in the past few days”. Another fan shared, “I have made this countless times and it’s always delicious. It’s always gone at parties, everyone begs me to make it and, most importantly, my 5-year-old loves to eat it”.

The dish has proven itself as a reliable crowd-pleaser. According to numerous testimonials, it’s consistently “the most requested recipe & always the first to disappear at potlucks”. Even picky eaters give it their stamp of approval, with one reviewer stating, “My little one loved it as much as my husband and I did!”.

Despite its indulgent taste, a serving comes in at 748 calories, making it a reasonable option for a hearty meal. For those watching their intake, there are also lighter versions available at just 347 calories per serving. Either way, this bbq chicken mac and cheese delivers satisfaction that keeps people coming back for more.

Essential Ingredients and Smart Substitutions

Creating the perfect bbq chicken mac and cheese recipe requires careful ingredient selection. The right components will elevate your dish from good to unforgettable.

Best cheese combinations for flavor and melt

The secret to exceptional bbq mac and cheese lies in cheese selection. For optimal flavor and creaminess, use a combination of aged cheddar and smoked gouda. This pairing creates the perfect smoky undertone that complements barbecue flavors. Alternatively, try mixing cheddar with monterey jack and mozzarella for a smooth, stretchy texture. For even more complexity, consider adding cream cheese to enhance richness.

Choosing the right pasta shape

Pasta shape matters significantly for this dish. Elbow macaroni remains a classic choice, but lumache (small shell-shaped pasta) excels at trapping sauce in its curved form. Other excellent options include cavatappi (corkscrew shape), medium shells, and creste di gallo (rooster-comb shaped pasta). Importantly, always cook pasta to al dente, since it continues cooking slightly in the sauce.

BBQ sauce options: sweet, spicy, or smoky

The bbq sauce you select dramatically influences your dish’s final flavor profile. Sweet barbecue sauce pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese elements, whereas spicy versions add exciting heat. For authentic smokiness, choose sauces with natural smoke flavor rather than liquid smoke. You might even consider Memphis-style barbecue sauce for a tangy twist.

Using rotisserie vs. fresh chicken

Rotisserie chicken offers remarkable convenience without sacrificing taste. This time-saving option provides tender, flavorful meat that easily shreds. However, if using fresh chicken, boneless skinless thighs deliver more flavor than breasts. Regardless of choice, you’ll need about one pound of cooked chicken for a standard recipe.

Dairy alternatives and gluten-free swaps

For dietary restrictions, this dish adapts beautifully. Substitute gluten-free pasta made from rice or quinoa. For the sauce, use gluten-free flour or 1.5 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with water as a thickener. Dairy-free versions can utilize plant-based cheese alternatives and unsweetened almond milk. Even vegan chicken substitutes work well when combined with dairy-free cheese options.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into the preparation process for this mouthwatering bbq chicken mac and cheese recipe. Following these tried-and-tested steps will ensure consistent results every time.

1. Cook and shred the chicken

First of all, you have two excellent options for the chicken. For convenience, use a rotisserie chicken from the deli. Alternatively, cook boneless chicken breasts yourself:

For poaching: Cover chicken with water in a pot, bring to a boil, then reduce to medium heat and cook for 15-20 minutes until done
For grilling: Season chicken with your preferred spices, grill until internal temperature reaches 165°F, then brush with BBQ sauce and grill 10 more minutes
After cooking, let the chicken rest for 2-10 minutes before shredding or chopping into bite-sized pieces

2. Boil pasta until al dente

Cooking pasta properly is crucial for perfect texture:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil
Add your chosen pasta and cook it until al dente – specifically, about 2 minutes under the suggested cooking time on the package
Remember that pasta continues cooking in the sauce and oven, so keeping it slightly firm now prevents mushiness later
Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking

3. Make the creamy cheese sauce

Now for the heart of our bbq mac and cheese:

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat
Whisk in flour, salt and pepper to create a roux and cook for about a minute
Gradually add milk while whisking continuously until smooth
Bring the mixture to a low boil, stirring regularly until it thickens
Reduce heat to low, then stir in your shredded cheese blend until completely melted

4. Combine chicken, pasta, and sauce

Bringing everything together:

Once your cheese sauce is smooth, stir in the cooked pasta until well coated
Mix your shredded chicken with BBQ sauce in a separate bowl
Fold the BBQ chicken into the cheesy pasta mixture, ensuring even distribution
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed

5. Bake for the perfect finish

Finishing your baked bbq chicken mac and cheese:

Preheat your oven to 350°F
Transfer the mixture to a buttered 9×13 baking dish or Dutch oven
Top with additional shredded cheese and optional toppings like breadcrumbs
Bake for 20-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top
Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving for the best texture

Tips to Customize and Elevate the Dish

Now that you’ve mastered the basic bbq chicken mac and cheese recipe, it’s time to explore creative variations that will take this dish to the next level.

Add-ins: jalapeños, corn, or bacon

The beauty of bbq mac and cheese lies in its adaptability. Consider these flavor-boosting add-ins:

Jalapeños – Finely chopped for a pleasant kick that complements the smoky bbq flavors
Red onion – Thinly sliced for a subtle bite and pop of color
Sautéed bell peppers – For sweetness and texture contrast
Roasted corn – Adds sweetness and texture
Steamed broccoli or peas – Introduces nutrients and fresh texture

Make it spicy with chipotle or hot sauce

Crank up the heat in your bbq chicken mac and cheese recipe:

First, try incorporating spicy jalapeño jack cheese alongside smoked cheddar for built-in heat. Frank’s Red Hot sauce makes an excellent addition for those who enjoy an extra kick. Alternatively, spice lovers can sprinkle in chili flakes or smoked paprika to achieve their desired heat level.

Turn it into honey BBQ chicken mac and cheese

For a sweeter twist, transform your dish into honey bbq chicken mac and cheese. Simply mix 25g of honey with 90g of your favorite BBQ sauce before coating your chicken. This variation works wonderfully with 800g of chicken breast cut into cubes. Certainly remember to adjust the sweetness ratio between honey and BBQ sauce based on your personal preference.

Topping ideas: breadcrumbs, fried onions, or extra cheese

Elevate your baked bbq chicken mac and cheese with these finishing touches:

Crispy breadcrumbs create a delightful textural contrast. Fried onions provide an addictive crunch that complements the creamy base. Besides traditional options, crushed chips (like Quest chips) can add flavor and crispiness. Fresh herbs such as parsley or chives sprinkled on top contribute color and brightness.

How to make it a meal prep favorite

This bbq mac and cheese recipe is ideal for busy weeknights:

Prepare the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for quick assembly. Consequently, the entire meal can come together in just 30 minutes. For storage, pre-portion the finished dish into meal prep containers for grab-and-go convenience. When reheating, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk if needed to restore creaminess. Ultimately, this dish remains delicious even on day five of meal prep.

Conclusion

This BBQ chicken mac and cheese recipe truly stands as the culmination of countless hours perfecting every element. After testing it more than 50 times, I’ve crafted a dish that balances smoky, tangy, and creamy flavors while remaining approachable for home cooks. The beauty of this comfort food mashup lies not only in its delicious taste but also in its flexibility.

You can certainly adjust this recipe to suit your preferences. Whether you prefer a spicier version with jalapeños, a sweeter profile using honey BBQ sauce, or need gluten-free alternatives, this dish adapts beautifully while maintaining its core appeal. The combination of perfectly cooked pasta, velvety cheese sauce, and BBQ-infused chicken creates something greater than the sum of its parts.

Perhaps most importantly, this recipe bridges the gap between sophisticated adult tastes and kid-friendly comfort food. The universal appeal makes it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep throughout the week. Time and again, it proves itself as the first dish to disappear at gatherings.

Though it might seem complex, following the detailed steps ensures success every time. The 15-minute prep time followed by about an hour of cooking yields spectacular results that far exceed the effort required. Additionally, using shortcuts like rotisserie chicken makes this impressive dish accessible even on busy weeknights.

Therefore, I encourage you to try this BBQ chicken mac and cheese recipe. Through careful testing and refinement, it has evolved into something truly special – a dish that delivers restaurant-quality results from your home kitchen. Once you serve this to family and friends, they’ll undoubtedly request it again and again.

FAQs

Q1. How long does it take to prepare this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese? The dish takes about 15 minutes to prep and around an hour to cook, totaling approximately 75 minutes from start to finish.

Q2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free pasta and substituting the regular flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickener for the sauce.

Q3. What’s the best cheese combination for this recipe? A blend of aged cheddar and smoked gouda works excellently, providing the perfect balance of flavor and meltability. You can also try a combination of cheddar, monterey jack, and mozzarella for a smooth, stretchy texture.

Q4. How can I make this dish spicier? To add heat, you can incorporate spicy jalapeño jack cheese, mix in some Frank’s Red Hot sauce, or sprinkle chili flakes or smoked paprika into the dish.

Q5. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. The finished dish can be portioned into meal prep containers and remains delicious for up to five days when properly stored and reheated.